Dry eyes can cause discomfort and blurry vision. But why does this happen? It could be dry eye syndrome, which occurs when tear quality or production is poor. When the eyes lack enough moisture, they dry out and become irritated.
But worry not, there are treatment options and medications with which you can manage your condition. Here in this blog, you will learn why you’re suffering from this syndrome, how to manage it, and which specialty doctor to see for your condition.
What Is a Dry Eye?
Dry Eye, medically known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to inadequate lubrication of the ocular surface. This results in symptoms such as irritation, burning, redness, blurred vision, and a gritty sensation. Chronic dry eye can cause inflammation and damage to the corneal surface if left untreated, requiring medical evaluation for proper management.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Chronic dry eye syndrome is a complex condition often caused by a mix of factors that disturb the sensitive balance of the tear film. Finding the main cause is crucial for effective treatment, as it can be due to natural biological processes, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, or underlying health issues. The causes listed below range from common daily activities to serious systemic diseases that impact tear production and quality.
- Aging
- Hormonal changes (especially in women)
- Prolonged screen time
- Environmental factors (wind, smoke, dry air)
- Contact lens use
- Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Laser eye surgery (temporary cause)
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Vitamin A deficiency
How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?
The ophthalmologist will check your eye for dry eye syndrome by running a few tests to check the severity of the condition and the root cause. Here are the tests that you will undergo for the condition diagnosis.
- Slit-Lamp Examination – Using a biomicroscope (slit lamp), the doctor examines the eye’s surface, tear film, and eyelids for signs of dryness, inflammation, or gland dysfunction.
- Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT) – A fluorescein dye is applied to the eye, and the doctor measures how long it takes for dry spots to appear on the cornea. A shorter time indicates tear instability.
- Schirmer’s Test – A small filter paper strip is placed under the lower eyelid to measure tear production. The amount of wetting after five minutes shows if the tear quantity is adequate.
- Ocular Surface Staining – Special dyes like fluorescein or lissamine green are used to detect damaged cells on the cornea and conjunctiva caused by dryness.
- Meibomian Gland Evaluation – The oil glands along the eyelids are examined to see if they are blocked or dysfunctional, a common cause of evaporative dry eye.
- Tear Osmolarity Test – This advanced diagnostic tool measures the salt concentration in tears; higher osmolarity indicates poor tear quality.
- Inflammatory Marker Tests – Some clinics use point-of-care tests (e.g., MMP-9 test) to detect inflammation on the ocular surface, confirming chronic or severe dry eye.
What are the Treatment Options For Dry Eye Syndrome?
Each treatment is customized after evaluating tear production, gland function, and the severity of the condition, ensuring a targeted medical approach for long-term relief and ocular surface protection. Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome focuses on restoring tear film stability, reducing inflammation, and addressing underlying causes. Ophthalmologists typically recommend or perform the following medical treatments:
- Prescription Eye Drops – Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) to increase tear production and reduce ocular surface inflammation.
- Artificial Tears and Lubricating Ointments – Medically formulated, preservative-free artificial tears or gels are advised for frequent use to maintain adequate lubrication, especially in moderate to severe cases.
- Punctal Plugs – Ophthalmologists may insert tiny silicone or collagen plugs into the tear ducts to block drainage and retain natural tears on the eye surface longer.
- Warm Compress Therapy and Lid Hygiene (Clinical Supervision) – In cases of meibomian gland dysfunction, doctors may perform in-office lid massage, thermal pulsation (LipiFlow), or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to unclog oil glands and improve tear quality.
- Autologous Serum Eye Drops – For severe or chronic cases, doctors may prepare custom eye drops from the patient’s own blood serum, rich in growth factors that help heal the ocular surface.
- Short-Term Corticosteroid Drops – Ophthalmologists may use low-dose steroid eye drops for a limited period to quickly control acute inflammation before switching to long-term non-steroidal therapy.
- Moisture Chamber Glasses or Goggles – These are sometimes recommended to reduce tear evaporation in patients exposed to dry environments or with severe evaporative dry eye.
- Treatment of Underlying Conditions – If the dry eye is linked to autoimmune diseases (like Sjögren’s syndrome), thyroid disorders, or blepharitis, doctors coordinate treatment with other specialists to manage the root cause effectively.
How to Prevent Dry Eye?
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that happens when your eyes don't produce enough quality tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, causing discomfort, redness, and blurred vision. Although it can be a long-term issue, making proactive lifestyle changes and taking preventive steps are essential for managing symptoms and maintaining eye comfort over time. The following nine steps present a complete plan for preventing and easing the symptoms of dry eye.
- Limit screen time and take regular breaks
- Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid exposure to smoke, wind, and dry air
- Use a humidifier indoors
- Wear protective eyewear outdoors
- Follow proper contact lens hygiene
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Get regular eye check-ups
- Manage underlying health conditions
Get advanced diagnosis and relief from dry eye syndrome with experienced ophthalmologists in Gurgaon
Contact us to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals For Eye Treatment?
At Artemis Hospitals, the Department of Ophthalmology is well-equipped for diagnosing and managing dry eye syndrome with a comprehensive approach. The hospital features a dedicated dry eye clinic led by expert ophthalmologists who have specific experience as dry eye specialists and utilize advanced diagnostic technologies like Meibography, Lipiview, and Lipiflow. Other senior ophthalmologists offer Dry Eye Evaluation/Treatment. If your dry eye is linked to nasal or sinus issues (which an ENT would treat), Artemis Hospital promotes collaborative care. Still, the direct treatment for the eye condition itself remains within the domain of the Eye Specialists. To book an appointment at Artemis Hospitals, call +91 98004 00498 or WhatsApp at +91 9800400498.
Article By Dr. Vishal Arora
Head - Ophthalmology
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix dry eyes?
You can alleviate dry eyes with easy solutions, such as applying warm compresses. This method helps to soothe discomfort and can enhance moisture by promoting tear production.
Is dry eye serious?
Yes, it is a serious condition, and you should see a doctor if it is causing problems in your daily life. Because if left untreated, it can impact your vision and lead to corneal damage.
How long do dry eyes take to heal?
It can heal within a few weeks. Check with the ENT specialist to see how severe your case is. Because, depending on your condition, the actual timeline can be set for the recovery.
What is the best natural eye lubricant?
Some of the popular eye lubricants are aloe vera, cucumber, virgin coconut oil, etc. You can consult with the eye specialist if your dryness doesn’t improve with simple home remedies.
What vitamin deficiency causes dry eyes?
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes dry eyes, and the common sources of this vitamin are fish, meat, and dairy. You should consult with a specialist if the problem persists even after changing your diet.
How do I lubricate my eyes without eye drops?
You can take vitamin supplements if you’re not someone who is comfortable with eye drops. This will ensure your dry eyes are taken care of. But don’t take any vitamins without the doctor's prescription or advice.
What is the best natural medicine for dry eyes?
Castor oil eye drops provide relief, but before using them, consult with a specialist. This will ensure there aren’t any adverse effects of using castor oil because some patients might be allergic to castor oil.
What is the new treatment for dry eyes?
The condition can’t be cured, but it can be managed by a new medicine introduced in 2023. The eye drops are perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution (Miebo), which targets tear evaporation directly.
